One Heavenly Tube Preamp!

Ever since this "Class A Mic Processor" was introduced in the late 1990s, studios large and small have relied on its platinum-sounding tube preamplification, world-class optical compressor, and musical four-band equalization controls. A gleaming, glowing VT-737SP in your rack tells clients you've been in this game for more than little while, and that you're ready for anything they've got. Let's take a closer look at this modern classic:

One Classy Front End

Technically speaking, the VT-737SP's Class A preamplification section is arranged as two cascaded, dual vacuum tube triodes, configured with minimum negative feedback as single-ended, anode-coupled followers. What matters, however, is the sound that this circuit produces. The Avalon sound is one that's beautifully transparent and smooth. It takes whatever instrument, electronic audio, or human voice you feed into it, and gets it ready for international stardom, all without changing the central character of the signal. And the VT-737SP is ready for any input: it supplies 48 volts of phantom power for use with highly detailed vocal microphones, sports a high-gain switch for extended headroom (great for loud sources like amplified guitar), and a direct hi-z input for tracking warm, shimmering electric bass.

A Tube Compressor That's Opto-Smooth

From the preamp stage, your signal then travels to Avalon's opto-compressor. While it can be used on any signal, the VT-737SP's compression profile works best on instruments with a long decay. Optical compressors respond to changes in dynamics by presenting a photo-resistor with a light source that dims as the volume gets lower--this non-linear decay can't be matched by solid-state compression circuits, and makes sources like voice, guitar, bass, string ensembles, and piano really sing and breathe. Also handy: if you're tracking a stereo source like drum overheads or a choir and you've got two VT-737SPs, you can link their compression circuits together for perfectly synchronized dynamics processing.

EQ-Shaping That's Perfectly Matched to the Preamp

The equalizer section of the Avalon VT-737SP is a perfect complement to the unit's preamp stage. Each band's range and sweep is tuned with the preamp character in mind, and adjusting each quickly enhances or tames your input signal in a transparent way. Still, there's quite a bit of range you get on the VT-737SP's EQ controls; with shelving on the treble and bass bands, and two separate, sweep-able mid controls with variable Q-widths, you can really focus in on problematic frequencies, or bring out the shimmer. For added flexibility, the EQ can be moved ahead of the compression circuit with the flip of a switch.

Built to Outlast the Latest Musical Trend

You want your career to last longer than the current crop of radio-hit copycats, and so does Avalon -- the more professionals who see their gear in your studio, the better for everyone! With this common interest in mind, the VT-737SP has been built for the long haul. A beefy metal chassis, robust toroidal power transformer and other top-notch internal components, and rugged control pots and knobs make for a 2-RU processor that'll outlive the rack it's mounted on.

Having an Avalon VT-737SP in your studio makes an important statement about your commitment to the recording profession. Those in the know will know you're serious once they step into your control room and see that unmistakable VU meter. Those who haven't heard the VT-737SP before will walk away amazed by your engineering prowess. The Avalon VT-737SP Channel Strip is an investment you can't afford not to make.

Avalon Warranty Information
One year parts and labor warranty. 90 day warranty for tubes.
Avalon does not offer a manufacturer's warranty on Non-New products.

If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 949-492-2000

Product Description

The Avalon VT-737SP features a combination of tube preamplifiers, opto-compressor, sweep EQ, output level and VU metering. VT737SP's preamp provides a 48V phantom powered input, an Instrument DI and a balanced line input. The Opto-compressor features twin Class A tube triodes for gain matching. Full dynamic control from soft compression to hard-knee limiting can be achieved with threshold, ratio-compression, attack and release controls plus gain reduction selection on the large VU meter. Special spectral control including de-ess is available with the dual sweep mid EQ to side-chain switch. The EQ section can be flipped pre or post-compressor. The high and low EQ bands provide the smooth characteristics of an all passive design, while the dual mid bands include variable frequency and switched Q-width selection. Whether you're recording a solo vocalist or an acoustic instrument, mastering, or recording symphonies, let Avalon take you to the leading edge in analog and experience sonic reality like never before!

Black and Blue Version

To celebrate Avalon's 10th Anniversary, they have released a special Black and Blue faced model. Same great features as the regular finish VT737SP but in a finish sure to attract onlookers.

The Class A preamplifier utilizes 2 cascaded, dual vacuum tube triodes configured with minimum negative feedback. A high gain switch boosts the overall gain of the preamplifier. The 4 high quality tubes are configured as singled ended anode coupled followers. A passive-variable high pass filter and hard-wire relay bypass completes the input signal conditioning. The phase reverse relay is available on all 3 inputs.

Opto-Compressor

The opto-compressor features a minimum signal path design with twin Class A vacuum tube triodes for gain matching. The optical attenuator acts as a simple passive level controller. Full dynamic control from soft compression to hard- knee limiting can be achieved with threshold, ratio-compression, attack, and release controls plus gain reduction selection on the large VU meter. Special spectral control including de-ess is available with the dual sweep mid EQ to side-chain switch. The EQ section can be flipped pre or post the opto-compressor via a front panel switch for alternate effects and tone shaping. Two VT-737SPs can be linked via a rear panel link cable for stereo tracking. The compressor bypass is a sealed silver relay for the most direct signal path.

Sweep-Equalizer and Output Level

The VT-737SP equalizer utilizes 100% discrete, Class A-high-voltage transistors for optimum sonic performance. The high and low frequency bands provide the smooth characteristics of an all passive design, while the dual mid bands include variable frequency and switched Q-width selection. The enhanced range of the mid bands is extended into the high and low bands by the use of X10 frequency multipliers. The bypass switch incorporates a sealed silver relay for the most direct signal path. When the EQ to sidechain is engaged, the high-low EQ remains in the audio path for "tone enhancement." The output level control provides a variable control of the overall signal path. The output amplifier utilizes another dual triode vacuum tube driving a 100% discrete, Class A, high-current, balanced and DC coupled low noise output amplifier.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"The standard by which other preamps are judged."

Sound:
This is the standard to which all others are compared. Beautiful, clean, clear "glassy" tube sound, warm yet clear. The best.
Feature:
Everything you need in a channel strip: preamp, equalizer, compressor.
Quality:
Solid, heavy, metal everything. I worry my rack will break.
Value:
I paid $1400 new, so it was worth that to me. It is a bit pricey at the usual $2000 price tag. But worth it!
Manufacturer Support:
Haven't had to find out (there's no N/A choice). Everyone I talked to and everything I read says Avalon gives great support.
The Wow Factor:
It's a beautiful piece of gear that inspires great confidence. The Avalon name is well known to everyone in this business, like Neumann mikes or Vox amplifiers, it actually brings in customers.
Overall:
This preamp (plus a great mike) gives my customers and me no excuse for not recording great vocals. I also have a Joe Meek pre which is dirty and therefore complementary to the Avalon.

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"In a class of it's own"

Sound:
This box produces a big, detailed and warm sound that quite frankly beat the pants off much more expensive pieces, such as some of the Focusrite Red units. I used it in a broad range of applications, ranging from pop/rock to jazz and classical, and it always shined.
Feature:
The is an extremely flexible unit.
Quality:
It is built like a tank, has an excellent fit, looks great and very clean build quality
Value:
I would have paid $3,000 for this box. Along with my api outboard gear, and my Distressor, this is one that has never let me down. Buy iy.
Manufacturer Support:
Never had any problems, so support was never an issue.
The Wow Factor:
It is gorgeous!

Our extended 45-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on
this productBuy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "Web site was easy to use and my experience was great. The times I've had to give them a call, the sales staff has been quick and courteous. I'll forever shop with zZounds!" - Customer on January 6, 2015

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

1. zZounds offers the industry‘s most musician-friendly payment plans

zZounds offers a variety of Play as You Pay installment plans that allow you to get the gear you want today. While our competitors might offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check, our payment plans are easy to get, simple to use, and, best of all, accrue zero interest. Unlike those house credit cards that can leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the promotional period ends, we never have and never will charge interest when you take advantage of one of the zZounds Play as You Pay plans.

2. zZounds guarantees the lowest price

Seen it for less somewhere else? Get it for less at zZounds. Simply click the “Seen it for less?” link on any product page and as long as we‘re not losing money, we‘ll beat any legitimate competitor‘s lowest price, usually within two hours. Want our best price even faster? Call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll provide you with a lower price on the phone. Also, if you purchase from us and later find the product for less elsewhere, call or email us within 45 days, and we‘ll refund you the difference.

3. zZounds gets you your gear fast

At zZounds, you‘ll get your gear fast and, usually, with free delivery. Because we have warehouses in New Jersey, Nevada and Mississippi, nearly 95 percent of Americans reside within our two-day shipping zones. Combine this with the fact that many of our best-selling products qualify for free two-day delivery and you get expedited shipping without the additional cost.

4. zZounds makes returns super easy

Buy it, try it, like it, or return it to us for a full refund. It‘s just that simple. If you‘re not in love with what you bought, return it to zZounds within 45 days, and we‘ll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund. No hassles. No hidden charges. And if a product‘s defective or damaged, call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll email you a prepaid shipping label so you can easily return it to us at zero cost to you.

5. zZounds delivers top-rated customer service

zZounds has received multiple Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Platinum awards, placing us in the top 0.7 percent of Bizrate‘s network of 5,200 retailers. Our success in meeting the needs of our customers -- since 1996, we‘ve satisfied over 1,000,000 people -- is due in large part to the fact that zZounds only hires experienced musicians to answer your calls and emails, and they are never paid a commission.